How do you track your agile estimation progress?

1 Use a consistent estimation scale

One of the first steps to track your agile estimation progress is to use a consistent and meaningful scale for your estimates. You can use different methods, such as story points, t-shirt sizes, or hours, but you should stick to one and make sure everyone on your team understands and agrees on what it represents. A consistent scale will help you compare and adjust your estimates over time, as well as communicate them clearly to stakeholders.

2 Track your velocity and throughput

Another way to track your agile estimation progress is to measure and monitor your velocity and throughput. Velocity is the average amount of story points your team completes in a sprint, while throughput is the number of items your team delivers in a given period. Both metrics can help you assess how well your team is performing, how realistic your estimates are, and how much work you can take on in the future. You can use charts, graphs, or dashboards to visualize your velocity and throughput trends and identify any issues or opportunities for improvement.

3 Conduct regular retrospectives

A third way to track your agile estimation progress is to conduct regular retrospectives with your team. Retrospectives are meetings where you reflect on what went well and what didn't in the previous sprint, and what you can do better in the next one. They are a great opportunity to review your estimates, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your successes. You can use different formats and techniques for your retrospectives, such as the starfish, the sailboat, or the KALM model, but the main goal is to foster a culture of continuous feedback and improvement.

4 Use estimation tools and games

A fourth way to track your agile estimation progress is to use estimation tools and games that can make the process more fun and engaging. There are many online and offline tools and games that you can use to facilitate and enhance your estimation sessions, such as Planning Poker, Magic Estimation, or Affinity Mapping. These tools and games can help you elicit different perspectives, break down complex problems, and reach consensus on your estimates. They can also help you track your estimation accuracy and consistency over time.

5 Seek feedback and guidance

A fifth way to track your agile estimation progress is to seek feedback and guidance from others who have more experience or expertise in agile estimation. You can ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, coaches, or customers on how well you are estimating and delivering value. You can also seek guidance from books, blogs, podcasts, or courses on agile estimation best practices and tips. By seeking feedback and guidance, you can learn from others' insights, avoid common pitfalls, and improve your estimation skills and confidence.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?